Shatter The Stereotypes

"There's no shame in seeking support, understanding that you don't have to carry the work weight of the world on your shoulders. You're not alone… But it's a matter of you being courageous enough to reach out.” -Coach Michael Taylor  

Toxic masculinity is a term used to describe the way in which men are taught to act in society, and how that can affect their lives. In a society that tells men they're the "breadwinners," and that they should be able to handle everything on their own, it's no wonder so many men are struggling. Although this mentality has been deeply engraved in our society, we can still change it with three simple words: "I Need Help." And while this phrase may sometimes feel like it's just an empty way to say you're vulnerable and want another person to take care of things for you, there's actually a lot more to it than that. "I need help" means that we recognize that something has come up in our life that is bigger than we are—and it also means that we know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by something.  In this episode, I interview Coach Michael Taylor on how powerful these three words can be in transforming men’s lives. We also discuss the five illusions of manhood from Michael’s book, A New Conversation with Men, and how to shift these illusions to what’s real. Tune in and see masculinity from a new perspective!

Dr. Dennis Winkler is an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, clinician, African-centered counselor, pastoral counselor, business consultant, and success coach; who has served his community all of his adult life. He has lectured at countless seminars, workshops, and private sessions. He has been a servant to many individuals, groups, couples, families, and organizations in the progressive development of the traditionally overlooked and disenfranchised, namely the African American (Black Community). Mr. Winkler’s mission is to equip individuals and families with the necessary tools to build stronger family units and communities.

In this interview, Coach Michael Taylor explains why there is no such thing as toxic masculinity and shares the reason some men may act out in "toxic" ways.

Coach Michael Taylor shares the 5 keys every black man must have if he is committed to living an extraordinary life.

Author, professor, lecturer, public speaker, entrepreneur, music executive, artist manager, fighter and survivor would be the words used to sum up the life and career of Mathew Knowles, Ph.D.   Knowles is widely recognized in the entertainment industry for his effective approach in developing and promoting award-winning artists. As founder of Music World Entertainment and Artist Management, he has served as executive producer for more than 100 award-winning, platinum and gold albums in multiple genres, including pop, R&B, gospel, dance, and country, as well as soundtracks and special-themed projects. Record sales have exceeded 450 million worldwide, with work featuring some of the biggest names in music including Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Destiny’s Child, Solange, and Beyoncé, to name a few.

Armon R. Perry, Ph.D., MSW is Professor at the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work. Dr. Perry teaches Introduction to Social Work and Social Work Practice with Families. Dr. Perry’s research interests are fathers’ involvement in the lives of their children and African American men’s contributions to family functioning. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Perry has professional experience as a child protective services social worker and as a parent education curriculum facilitator.

Robert is an engineer and entrepreneur who is passionate about design from an engineering perspective and he is committed to empowering youth to gain the skills and tools to keep up with the fast paced ever-changing world we live in.

Dr. Tommy J. Curry is an American scholar, author and professor of Philosophy. He currently holds a Personal Chair in Africana Philosophy and Black Male Studies at the University of Edinburgh. In 2018, he won an American Book Award for The Man-Not: Race, Class, Genre, and the Dilemmas of Black Manhood. Curry has received several academic awards and honors for his research. In 2017, Curry was awarded the Alain Locke Award by the Society of American Philosophy for his public intellectual research and commentaries on anti-Black racism, the death and dying of Black males, and the rape of Black men and boys in the United States

Gregory is a Self-mastery Coach and Founder of “Zen Friend & Urban Monk,” a one-on-one coaching platform for black, highly sensitive-intuitive, masculine-identified men who are seeking to master the magic of their emotions and manifest the life of their dreams. He is also Co-founder of “King’s College - The Divine Masculine Series” - a safe, virtual container for men of obvious African ancestry to learn how to embody healthy, integrated masculinity.

Stefan is the owner and operator of the Good Brotha's Book Cafe in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. As an entrepreneur and book lover he definitely shatters the stereotypes about black men. Be sure to check out this interview to learn more about his bookstore and cafe and how he is promoting books, coffee, and conversations in his community.